The New Deal

The black Renault disappeared down the track, friends waving as they left. Bo followed soon after and the washing machine went on.

"Can I cut your grass please". If only all friends asked that question. Allan looked to be having a fine time indeed. The angle the sit on mower was travelling at as it traversed my plot was insane. I hope to god he doesn't fall off. While Allan trundled around on the big orange machine I hauled the black and decker mower up and down the slopes close to the house. It isn't self propelled. Propulsion is my job. Job done we took the sandwiches Sue had made, up to the communal grill area, to take in the panaramic view of Vattern that passes for ordinary here. after lunch I got Darwin the Polo out for a tour of the immediate area. Gustav Adolf is tiny, and picture postcard pretty. The supermarket in Habo got the first of several visits, as did the hardware store. Having ran out of grass to cut we are ready to brave the strimmers, once we have two stroke oil.

Friends visiting from England and elsewhere is a joy. That so many want to come and spend time here is very nice indeed. The thing I worried about most is the loss of company with old established friendships. I need the patience of Swedish friends while I settle in. More time to play later. I promise.

The rent a room solution for the Warwickshire house isn't going to work. The revenue problem isn't going to go away. It has to be fixed. I had to make a decision. Having got a valuation on my UK home it is time to bite the bullet. The sale price suggested is disappointing. I would just about break even if I sold. That makes it easier. The house is valuable from a rental point of view, and there is demand for such a property. I will rent it out and live in Sweden for now. I was thinking of over wintering already. Now it will soon be a done deal. Renting the place out I keep my place in the UK housing market, and also the right to return with sufficient notice, should I need to. I will not know for sure how I feel about life in Sweden until I have my first winter under my belt. I think Vitared could be bleak midwinter. Bring it on. Let's see how it goes.

Tonight was the Vitared AGM. We own and manage our own roads and water supply. I understood the annual financial report, and the voting to fill the offices of the committee. A lot I couldn't follow. That will improve.

Elsa sits in her workshop. She doesn't care.

Jag ar hem for nu! Underbart!